Battambang day tour: Temples, bamboo train, Phnom Sampov caves

Five temple stops and a bamboo train ride through Battambang's countryside in one day

A full-day guided tour of Battambang starting from your hotel, visiting five named sites across the city's north, west and south: colonial landmarks, two ancient temples, the old bamboo train near Ou Srolao village, Wat Banan atop a 358-step climb, and Phnom Sampov mountain ending at dusk when thousands of bats emerge from the caves. A local English-speaking guide leads the route by private TukTuk, with cold water and snacks included. The bamboo train ride carries an extra fee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ta Dumbong Kro Nhong1h
2. Wat Samrong Knong1h
3. Phnom Banan1h 30m · entry included
4. Phnom Sampeau Killing Caves2h · entry included
5. Battambang Bat Caves2h · entry included

Explore Battambang and nearby temples

• Visit colonial building and Tadam Bong Kro Aung statue
• Drive through countryside to Prasat Baset temple
• Visit Khmer Rouge memorials at Wat Samrong Knong
• Explore Wat Ek Phnom temple and rest in shade
• Ride the Bamboo Train to Ou Srolao village
• Climb 358 steps to Wat Banan temple towers
• Visit Phnom Sampov mountain and killing cave
• Watch bats fly out at dusk at Bat Army caves

The experience

The day starts at a colonial building in central Battambang, then moves through the countryside by TukTuk (passing rice fields, farms and small villages) to reach Prasat Baset temple. From there, the route takes you to Wat Samrong Knong to learn about local Khmer Rouge memorials before arriving at Wat Ek Phnom, where a large Buddha sits in a shaded setting on the north side of the city.

The bamboo train comes next, a one-hour ride from Ou Srolao village on the west side that gives you the feel of authentic local transport. After that, you climb 358 steps up Wat Banan mountain to see the temple's five towers and take in the landscape from above. The day ends on Phnom Sampov mountain to the south, timed for late afternoon when the light is best and the killing caves are most accessible. At dusk, thousands of bats fly out of the mountainside caves, the "Bat Army", a finale the guide times to catch before sunset.

Your guide speaks English and travels with you the whole day in a private TukTuk. Cold water and local snacks are provided. Meals end with traditional Cambodian food at a local restaurant where you can reflect on the stops. The tour runs about 11 and a half hours from pickup at your hotel to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private TukTuk transport throughout the day.
• English-speaking local guide.
• unlimited cold water.
• local snacks in the villages.
• traditional Cambodian meal at a local restaurant.

Options for this experience

2 options

Group/Family tourUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00This option is a private package, with a tuk-tuk reserved only for your group. You can choose the rate that suits how many people will be joining you if you are traveling as a group. Duration: 11 hours. Khmer Tuk-Tuk: traditional Khmer transport. Included in this option: a pickup truck takes you to the Phnom Sampov peak and drops you off at the bat cave. Pickup is included.

Couples/Friend TourUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Private tour: a tuk-tuk reserved exclusively for your group as part of this private package. Option rates: couple 2-4 Pax. You can select the option that best suits how many people want to book the tour if you are traveling with your group. Duration: 12 hours. Countryside roads. Khmer Tuk-Tuk: traditional Khmer transport. Includes pickup.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Battambang Tour: Mr Lychee

Is this one for you?Choose the Couples/Friend option if you're traveling as a pair or small group of up to four. The Group/Family option works for larger parties. Either way, you get a private TukTuk and guide for the full day, so the pace and stops stay yours alone, and you're not waiting for other groups to catch up or move on.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

20 verified traveler reviews

5 ★19

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the bamboo train ride like, and do I have to do it?

The bamboo train is a one-hour ride from Ou Srolao village on an authentic local transport made of bamboo. It's an optional add-on with a separate fee, so you can skip it if you prefer to spend more time at the temples instead.

How many steps are there to climb at Wat Banan, and what will I see at the top?

Wat Banan has 358 steps leading to a temple with five towers at the summit. The climb rewards you with views of the surrounding landscape from the mountain.

What time of day do we visit Phnom Sampov, and why does timing matter?

Phnom Sampov is visited in the late afternoon and evening specifically for the sunset views and to see the killing caves. At dusk, thousands of bats emerge from the mountainside caves, and the timing lets you catch both the landscape and the bat flight before dark.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

You choose at checkout: the Couples/Friend option is for two to four travelers, and the Group/Family option accommodates larger parties. Both travel in a private TukTuk with your own guide, so you're not mixed with strangers.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the private TukTuk, English-speaking guide, cold water, local snacks, and a meal at a traditional restaurant are all included. The bamboo train ride is an optional add-on with a separate fee.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The tour runs about 11 and a half hours from hotel pickup. Your guide will arrange the exact start time based on your hotel location and the day's itinerary to catch the sunset at Phnom Sampov.